Good Repair Shop Can Protect Your Big Investment

May 11, 1993

Next to your home, your car or truck is probably the single largest purchase you will make. And, with the average new car costing around $15,000, it makes more sense than ever to keep your car in good running order rather than to replace it.

One of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle is to find an automotive repair facility you trust before you need emergency repairs. But how do you choose from all the automotive technicians and shops in your area?

What can you do to make certain that you are getting the best service and parts available? Is it best to go with a well-known national company, or should you put your trust in the independent neighborhood shop?

Following some simple guidelines can help you make the right choice. In a recent interview, Steve Handschuh, vice president of the National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA),suggested four standards you should look for when you shop for an automotive service center:

"ASE certification, a trustworthy name, quality parts and a national warranty program are the four requirements you should demand of any shop that services your vehicle," says Handschuh.

"When you see the blue ASE Seal of Excellence displayed on the building," Handschuh says," it means that the technicians there have been certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence."

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (NIASE) is a nonprofit independent organization that has conducted voluntary testing for 20 years.

A good name is one you know and have confidence in as a supplier of automotive parts or service. There are essentially two kinds of good names you can depend on. The first is the local shop owner who lives, works and is well-respected in the community. The other is a quality national name service center that is well advertised and widely available throughout the country.

For many consumers, word-of-mouth is the strongest assurance they can receive about the quality of the business. And, don't overlook the local Better Business Bureau. It can tell you if it has any outstanding customer complaints on file for service centers you are considering.